When you hit the beach or pool, you might not think twice about the material of your swimsuit. But if you’re wearing a polyester bathing suit, you could be exposing yourself—and the environment—to hidden dangers. At Zahavier, we believe in skin-friendly, sustainable choices, so let’s dive into the lesser-known harms of polyester swimwear and explore better alternatives.
1. Polyester and Toxic Chemical Exposure
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based materials, and the process of creating it involves heavy use of chemicals like antimony, formaldehyde, and perfluorochemicals (PFCs) (Greenpeace, 2016). These substances can irritate the skin, disrupt hormones, and have been linked to long-term health issues (Blum & Ames, 2017).
Furthermore, polyester swimsuits often contain phthalates, which are used to make the fabric flexible. Studies show phthalates can mimic hormones and lead to reproductive health concerns (Meeker et al., 2009). When these chemicals come into contact with warm water, sweat, or sunscreen, they can leach out and be absorbed by your skin.
2. Trapping Bacteria and Causing Skin Irritation
Polyester is not breathable and tends to trap moisture against the skin. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive, increasing the risk of rashes, breakouts, and infections like folliculitis (Miller et al., 2013). If you’ve ever experienced post-swim irritation or strange bumps, your swimsuit could be to blame.
3. Polyester’s Impact on the Ocean
Every time you wash a polyester swimsuit, it sheds microplastics—tiny synthetic fibers that pollute waterways and are ingested by marine life (Napper & Thompson, 2016). A single polyester garment can release up to 700,000 microfibers in one wash (Hartline et al., 2018), contributing to the growing crisis of ocean pollution.
4. Polyester and Sun Protection—A False Sense of Security
Many people choose polyester swimwear because it’s labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). However, polyester fibers degrade under UV exposure, chlorine, and saltwater, reducing their effectiveness over time (Haerens et al., 2020). Natural fibers like hemp and organic cotton provide more consistent UV protection without chemical coatings.
What to Wear Instead? Sustainable, Skin-Friendly Swimwear
Thankfully, there are eco-conscious and skin-friendly alternatives to polyester:
- Hemp Swimwear: Naturally UV-resistant, breathable, and biodegradable.
- Organic Cotton Blends: Gentle on the skin and free from harmful synthetic chemicals.
- Regenerated Nylon (Econyl®): Made from recycled fishing nets and ocean plastics, reducing environmental waste.
- Bamboo Fabric: Soft, moisture-wicking, and antibacterial.
Conclusion: Protect Your Skin and the Planet
Your skin deserves better than polyester. By choosing natural, non-toxic swimwear, you’re not only protecting yourself from irritation and chemical exposure but also making a positive impact on the environment. At Zahavier, we believe in clean ingredients, clean living, and clean oceans—let’s make the switch to sustainable choices together.
Citations:
- Blum, A., & Ames, B. (2017). Environmental health hazards of synthetic fabrics.
- Greenpeace (2016). The Toxic Threads Report.
- Haerens, C. et al. (2020). UV degradation of synthetic textiles.
- Hartline, N. et al. (2018). Microfiber pollution in oceans.
- Meeker, J. et al. (2009). Phthalates and human endocrine disruption.
- Miller, K. et al. (2013). Synthetic fibers and dermatological reactions.
- Napper, I. & Thompson, R. (2016). Microplastic fiber release in washing processes.